I have to replace the low beam bulbs (old and dim) in my 2004 LX470 and plan to use Sylvania silverstars (H1ST). Does anyone know how to repalce the bulbs. I perform light mainteneace on my vehicles and thought I was mechaniocally inclined-but looking at the headlight projectors, darn if I can figure out how to access the old bulbs. The owners manual says to have the Lexus dealer do it!!
LX 470 low beam bulb replacement (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter donaldm823
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Of course it does - cause they'll charge you $60+ each!!
I was in the same spot as you recently, but now that I've been there, it's pretty simple. I even used the same bulbs, and let me tell you - you'll be very happy w/ the performance increase.
It is a kind of PITA if you don't have tiny hands though.
I was in the same spot as you recently, but now that I've been there, it's pretty simple. I even used the same bulbs, and let me tell you - you'll be very happy w/ the performance increase.
It is a kind of PITA if you don't have tiny hands though.
See that round plastic cap, with the black wire coming out the middle of it? Well you dont have that part because i did a HID plug and play kit, but that cap, just rotate it and it should pull off. Then, there is a little metal retaining clip that keeps the bulb in place, and one plug on the end of the bulb. Just unplug it and pop the clip off and replace the bulb.
As easy as pie....but the drivers side you have move the battery
As easy as pie....but the drivers side you have move the battery
- Thread starter
- #4
thank you
hoser
SILVER Star
Don, you're going to get real proficient at this as those Silverstar bulbs don't last long. 
- Thread starter
- #6
Don, you're going to get real proficient at this as those Silverstar bulbs don't last long.
pls advise-are the silverstar's a bad choice. I am only looking for more light on the raod so we can avoid the deer!!! I am not looking for a frequent replacement issue-can you suggest something else?
OK, LX 470 Low Beam bulb replacement:
Get a wrench and release the bolt battery tie-down bar from the front vehicle frame - keep pressure on bar when removing bolt to prevent bar from springing up (throwing bolt/hitting part of engine/dropping into not-so-easy-to-get-to places) remove and set aside.
Push battery as far back (towards drivers seat) in its tray as possible - may have to lift it up and rest it on the tray lip.
On the back of the headlamp housing, find a beige/gray plastic circle with flanges, rotate this Counter-Clockwise to unlock, pull out of socket and hold.
At this point, you can see the electrical connector on the back of the bulb - the wire runs through the plastic cover you just removed, which doesn't leave much play in the wire, so to avoid undue stress to the wire/connector, remove the connector from the bulb before proceeding.
After connector removed from bulb tab, depress spring clip toward front of vehicle and down to release. Rotate spring clip on its hinge and the bulb is exposed and loose.
After installing bulb, follow instructions in reverse.
Take care that the bulb is properly seated in the holder before re-engaging spring clip.
Electrical connector cannot be improperly applied.
Ensure plastic cover is tight to prevent water/dirt contamination.
As the packaging says, NEVER touch bulb glass with bare hands, metal is ok. The reason for this is that oils in your skin will leave residue on the bulb, and later cause fire/explosion when the bulb is lit.
When re-tightening battery tie-down bar, take care to replace battery to previous location in tray, and maneuver to be able to tighten bar down flush with frame without putting major stress on battery (tight enough to keep from moving around, not too tight to bend the bar/dent the battery case)
Instructions are SAME for Passenger side, except for battery bar.
In case of beam projecting strangely/incorrectly, reseat bulb - if inordinate force is needed to replace spring clip, bulb is not correctly seated. When bulb is properly seated, almost no force is needed to replace spring clip.
Enjoy your new headlamps. And if going from OEM to H1ST, be prepared - it's like night and day!
-LX Pilot
Get a wrench and release the bolt battery tie-down bar from the front vehicle frame - keep pressure on bar when removing bolt to prevent bar from springing up (throwing bolt/hitting part of engine/dropping into not-so-easy-to-get-to places) remove and set aside.
Push battery as far back (towards drivers seat) in its tray as possible - may have to lift it up and rest it on the tray lip.
On the back of the headlamp housing, find a beige/gray plastic circle with flanges, rotate this Counter-Clockwise to unlock, pull out of socket and hold.
At this point, you can see the electrical connector on the back of the bulb - the wire runs through the plastic cover you just removed, which doesn't leave much play in the wire, so to avoid undue stress to the wire/connector, remove the connector from the bulb before proceeding.
After connector removed from bulb tab, depress spring clip toward front of vehicle and down to release. Rotate spring clip on its hinge and the bulb is exposed and loose.
After installing bulb, follow instructions in reverse.
Take care that the bulb is properly seated in the holder before re-engaging spring clip.
Electrical connector cannot be improperly applied.
Ensure plastic cover is tight to prevent water/dirt contamination.
As the packaging says, NEVER touch bulb glass with bare hands, metal is ok. The reason for this is that oils in your skin will leave residue on the bulb, and later cause fire/explosion when the bulb is lit.
When re-tightening battery tie-down bar, take care to replace battery to previous location in tray, and maneuver to be able to tighten bar down flush with frame without putting major stress on battery (tight enough to keep from moving around, not too tight to bend the bar/dent the battery case)
Instructions are SAME for Passenger side, except for battery bar.
In case of beam projecting strangely/incorrectly, reseat bulb - if inordinate force is needed to replace spring clip, bulb is not correctly seated. When bulb is properly seated, almost no force is needed to replace spring clip.
Enjoy your new headlamps. And if going from OEM to H1ST, be prepared - it's like night and day!
-LX Pilot
Last edited:
Man, that's the truth! I did the swap less than 6 months ago and have one out already........Don, you're going to get real proficient at this as those Silverstar bulbs don't last long.
Sorry that I don't own a camera/have pix for you.
Also, I use Silver Stars, and love the light - but I've only had them for about 4months, so I don't have personal experience with their lifespan.
-LX Pilot
Also, I use Silver Stars, and love the light - but I've only had them for about 4months, so I don't have personal experience with their lifespan.
-LX Pilot
hoser
SILVER Star
I have heard good things about the OSRAM Silverstar +50 H1 bulbs which are not the same as the Sylvania Osram Silverstars.
They are not commonly sold here but you can find them online or through Daniel Stern's site. He sells the Narva brand but it is basically the same.
Also, many have been happy with switching to the Xenondepot.com plug and play HID kit. They are $405 and require more work to install but you can get plenty of help here on the board.
They are not commonly sold here but you can find them online or through Daniel Stern's site. He sells the Narva brand but it is basically the same.
Also, many have been happy with switching to the Xenondepot.com plug and play HID kit. They are $405 and require more work to install but you can get plenty of help here on the board.
Last edited:
Yep, use the search key, you will find about 10 threads about what to use instead of silverstars.
I did the passenger side first where there is plenty of clearance, then did the driver side moving the battery but already familiar with the process.
I got the Philips Power Plus version from Powerbulbs.com because they were on sale. They ship from the UK but ship anywhere. The bulbs work great. I have used the Silverstars on other vehicles and they have variable lifespans, some last less than a year, others more on the same vehicle. The Philips have done well for over a year. Powerbulbs also sells Osram among others.
I got the Philips Power Plus version from Powerbulbs.com because they were on sale. They ship from the UK but ship anywhere. The bulbs work great. I have used the Silverstars on other vehicles and they have variable lifespans, some last less than a year, others more on the same vehicle. The Philips have done well for over a year. Powerbulbs also sells Osram among others.
- Thread starter
- #13
to LX470 Pilot-great write-up on how to replace the low beam bulbs. Thanks for taking the time in the writing. I will be trying your suggestions as your words make it look easy!
Jim_Chow
V8_Fan
Many of us LX owners have installed HID's using the xenondepot kit. If you check the clublexus GX470 forum for the xenondepot thread, there's sometimes a promo code you can enter giving you $25 off. You need the H1 kit. There are different light temperature bulbs you can choose, but 4300 K is the light temp used by OEM HID units. I'd avoid stuff like 6000 K (very blue) kits...less light output (more dispersion due to the shorter wavelength), also irritating color (at least to my eyes). I measured the light output w/ a photographic ambient light meter to be 4 times more than the stock halogen H1's. Peripheral illumination is excellent...lights up everything in the shoulder of the road whereas the halogens won't.
PS: get a replacement steel bumper up front for additional protection from deer. The $1500 is cheap in comparision to front body damage.
You're quite welcome!
It was my pleasure - I've been waiting to see a question about which I knew enough to sound authoritative about.
Except apparently about the bulbs.
Like I said, I've had the STs for about 4months / 8k miles, no problems so far.
Do plan on getting the HID kit when I've got the money though.
-LX Pilot
damn jim, ARB or TJM should hire you! lol, you could be the Mud sales rep.
Personally, i tried all types of bulbs in the low beams on my LX, the only ones i ever really liked was a nice fresh pair of plain H1s. Then of course, the HID kit topped it off and i absolutely love them.
Personally, i tried all types of bulbs in the low beams on my LX, the only ones i ever really liked was a nice fresh pair of plain H1s. Then of course, the HID kit topped it off and i absolutely love them.
On the issue of deer:
You can install an wind-powered deer-tuned horn on your car. They hear it coming and get out of the way.
Just make sure you don't install it backwards - you'll end up with a herd of deer following you down the highway.
Alright, call me silly.
1/2 way through month 4, and my left headlight (had to be the one in front of the battery) burned out.
This myth is Confirmed.
Damn.
I know they don't have 'em in the H1 form factor now, but does anyone have any idea if/when Sylvania will have H1 Ultra's? and any word about how reliable they are?
-LX Pilot
1/2 way through month 4, and my left headlight (had to be the one in front of the battery) burned out.
This myth is Confirmed.
Damn.
I know they don't have 'em in the H1 form factor now, but does anyone have any idea if/when Sylvania will have H1 Ultra's? and any word about how reliable they are?
-LX Pilot
spoke too soon my friend...the drivers side bulb heard you and said, ill show him!
HID Time!
